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Nidecker Tracer 2018-2019 Snowboard Review

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Now that Nidecker has well and truly reclaimed the carving crown, we’re always excited to see what new models the crew there comes up with. Fresh for 2018/19 is the Nidecker Tracer snowboard, an asymmetric model that’s just stunning on the groomers.

Not only is the sidecut radius tighter on the heel edge, the length of it is also shorter. The Nidecker Tracer has been designed with a carve-friendly ‘posi-posi’ stance in mind, which you might as well adopt since you won’t be tempted to ride this thing switch anyway.

“An asymmetric model that’s just stunning on the groomers”

Ride this thing the way it’s designed, and it won’t just be the fluorescent pink design turning heads; it’ll be the perfect lines you leave in the snow behind you. Thanks to the high quality sintered base, you’ll be able to do it at warp speed too.

Naturally for a specific carver, this has a long camber section that’s still the best for setting an edge and powering through the turns. It also has stiff, reactive triax fibreglass throughout, and a four-wood core that’s strong yet light. Even if you never leave the ground, a board can still be subjected to seriously heavy forces, so a tough core is just as important in a model like this as it is in a park board.

“It won’t just be the fluorescent pink design turning heads; it’ll be the perfect lines you leave in the snow behind you”

On the same theme, Kevlar has been added to the build, in order to reduce vibrations that take all the fun out of turning and burning. The topsheet’s built to do the same, although the Nidecker guys are keeping their cards close to their chest as to just how it does that.

While getting this airborne may not be your priority, your available ollie power is enhanced by a carbon stringer. Make the most of rollers and side-hits when you come across them, before once again getting low. What’s not to like?

The Nidecker Tracer is available in three sizes – but before you buy, be sure to check whether it’s the Regular or Goofy version you’re getting!

Tester’s Verdict

“What can I say about this board? It not only looks amazing, but is a true pleasure to ride.

Pink is the future right? With the strike of power across the board I felt like a reincarnation of David Bowie mixed with the determination of the main fighting guy from Ong-Bak who just wont be knocked down, like ever.

“The flexibility, sidecut and profile of this board is so perfect”

I now use this board every day; it’s not for riding park, but the flexibility, sidecut and profile of this board so perfect that I can not only carve the best I’ve ever done in my life, but I can use it in all conditions on the mountain.

For me the Nidecker Tracer represents the closest thing i’ve had to a surfboard, but on snow. It has helped me innovate new lines and movements on the piste. I can use this board with a dusting of fresh snow or when I want to charge firm pistes, knowing that I always have the correct board under my feet.”

Tester’s Verdict

“Millenials: do you lack a good work ethic? The Nidecker Tracer Series has an asymmetrically shaped solution for you.

“You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how forgiving it can be”

With its Starsky and Hutch-style top sheet, the bright pink has you covered for all your seasonal LGBTQ eventualities. It’s fast from edge to edge, and carries you comfortably across tracked powder fields, steeps and shallows.

This isn’t as stiff as regular Nideckers, so you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how forgiving it can be. It’s worth putting the effort in with this board!”

Trade Secrets

Thierry Kunz – Chief Marketing Officer, Nidecker

“When we decided to create this board, we wanted to do so with absolutely no compromises. A dream come true.

Our vision was to have a board crafted to perfection, created for carving and linking stylish turns. Just as all the Nidecker boards, we also wanted it to perform in any condition. The result is the Tracer, a true Asymmetrical board. It is the most precise carving machine we’ve ever seen.

Many of our team riders tried the board by curiosity in the early season, and ended up using it for the entire winter.

A new type of riding is born! Try it and you will see this is not a marketing gimmick.”

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